Put to the Test

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

As a teacher at Molokai High School, Rodney Nelson lectures on algebra, geometry and physics without breaking a sweat.

But last month, competing in the Ironman triathlon in Tempe, Arizona, he faced a daunting equation: swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles.
 
When he finally crossed the finish line 15 hours, 46 minutes later, Nelson, 27, said he felt delirious.

“I felt proud, happy, accomplished… I felt like I had done what I’d set out to do,” he said.

Nelson set the goal to complete in the ultimate triathlon four years ago.

“Everyone has to measure themselves as least once,” he said. “This is how I chose to measure myself.”

After competing in shorter triathlons, including a half Ironman in Kona two years ago, he started training nine months ago, riding his bike from Kaunakakai to Rock Point, and later out to Pu`u O Hoku, and running from town to the high school once a week. 

His training regiment was disrupted when Cooke Memorial Pool closed for repairs in October, forcing him to swim laps in Dixie Maru where he was conscious of the possibility of running into shark.

“Swimming at Dixie was like walking through the jungle,” he said.

Cheering him on along the race were his father, mother, sister, brother, sister-in-law and cousin, who flew out from New York state.

Next for Nelson is the half marathon on Maui in January. As for another Ironman race, Nelson said he’s not ruling it out.

“If I have the time to train for it and be exhausted all the time again, I’ll do it.”

Rodney Nelson would like to thank his friend and family for their support, biking buddy Will Carlson, all the people who looked out for the “crazy man running in the night” and God. 

Worth the Weight

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

How does it feel to hold 600 pounds in two hands, with every muscle in your body straining with tension, sweat and strength?
 
“It feels great,” said 19-year old Dean Crowell.

Molokai-born Crowell dead lifted 600.7 pounds at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters World Championships (WABDL) in Las Vegas last month, earning him first place in the 18-19-year-old heavyweight division, a third place national ranking for deadlift.

“It’s a struggle, but when you get it up it’s the best feeling to know you can pull that much,” said Crowell, who admits his muscles are still recovering three weeks later.

Crowell, who has been lifting weights all his life, was inspired to take his training to the next level two years ago after meeting longtime lifter Wilbert Kaimikaua, at the Na Pu`uwai gym.

“I remember I went to his house and saw his trophies, and that gave me they inspiration to be like him and get my own trophies,” Crowell said.

In the last year, Crowell competed in five competitions and placed first in each one. The WABDL event was his first on the mainland. He competed as part of Team Hawaii, which placed first overall, taking on lifters from Canada, Sweden and Brazil. 

His trip there was sponsored by civic clubs on Oahu, where he now lives.